Am I Blue? : Coming Out from the Silence

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book For Teens Dealing With Gay Issues
Review: Am I Blue? is a compelling anthology which explores lesbian and gay themes among teenagers. Some characters are dealing with being gay or lesbian themselves, and others are dealing with gay or lesbian parents or friends. As with any anthology, some stories are more detailed than others, but overall the collection is superb. My personal favorites among the stories were "Am I Blue?" by Bruce Coville, "Parents' Night" by Nancy Garden, and "Michael's Little Sister" by C.S. Adler

Rating:
Summary: impeccably written, powerful
Review: Am I Blue? was a recommended title for my Adolescent Literature class. I picked it up, not knowing what to expect, and found that I absolutely loved it; so much, in fact, that I recently bought my own copy and sent it to a friend who has been dealing with his own homosexuality. This is not only a book for homosexual teens, but also is for their family, friends, and confidantes, both gay and straight. Each story has its own strong points, from the title work's stereotypical portrayal that somehow is not so, to "Parents' Night" and its proof that parents can accept, no matter how difficult, their children's sexual preferences. Definitely a must-read :-)

Rating:
Summary: This book has something for everyone...
Review: As a straight college student who has many gay friends, I thought this book was phenomenal. Am I Blue is a collection of 16 different short stories dealing with common problems facing the gay community. I feel that there is something that everyone can take away from this book, gay and straight alike. I was really touched by each characters story and now I can better understand what the gay community is going through. Am I Blue does a really good job of putting the truth out there. So many people are scared to talk about controversial issues such as homosexuality but this book does not sugarcoat it. Topics such as sex, confusion, homophobia, and harassment are all addressed in these short stories.
The many authors that contributed to this work took time in their writing. You can tell that they were not just writing these stories to pay the bills. There was passion and concern, a real drive to make a difference with each and every author. They each took a personal risk and put themselves on the line when they spoke out. I admire that.
When reading this book, one must keep an open mind. Because like I said many controversial issues are discussed. If one goes in with a set idea in their head then, one will not be able to except the book for what it is really worth.
Again, Am I Blue is an amazing book. I would recommend it to anyone with an open mind who is looking for some comfort or is just wanting a glimpse of what it is like to be gay in this world.

Rating:
Summary: This book has something for everyone...
Review: As a straight college student who has many gay friends, I thought this book was phenomenal. Am I Blue is a collection of 16 different short stories dealing with common problems facing the gay community. I feel that there is something that everyone can take away from this book, gay and straight alike. I was really touched by each characters story and now I can better understand what the gay community is going through. Am I Blue does a really good job of putting the truth out there. So many people are scared to talk about controversial issues such as homosexuality but this book does not sugarcoat it. Topics such as sex, confusion, homophobia, and harassment are all addressed in these short stories.
The many authors that contributed to this work took time in their writing. You can tell that they were not just writing these stories to pay the bills. There was passion and concern, a real drive to make a difference with each and every author. They each took a personal risk and put themselves on the line when they spoke out. I admire that.
When reading this book, one must keep an open mind. Because like I said many controversial issues are discussed. If one goes in with a set idea in their head then, one will not be able to except the book for what it is really worth.
Again, Am I Blue is an amazing book. I would recommend it to anyone with an open mind who is looking for some comfort or is just wanting a glimpse of what it is like to be gay in this world.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant! A landmark in short queer fiction!
Review: Bauer has done a wonderful job collecting these short stories written ideally for youth, but to be enjoyed at any age. The variety and depth of each story are delightful, from the gentle awe of first love in "The Honorary Shepherds" to the wit and social messages brought out in stories like the title "Am I Blue" by Bruce Coville (a renowned children's and young adult's author). These stories are about first love, broken hearts, delicate epiphanies and familial bonds, and they stir in us the memories of the realization of our own sexuality and give us time to reflect on the essense of youth.

Am I Blue is a collection destined to be a classic, and not to be passed up. For the straight and queer alike, these stories are a light in the perpetual darkness of youth. Buy it - you'll be glad you did.

Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!!! A MUST READ!!!
Review: Every person should read "Am I Blue?" If you are having a hard time discovering who you are or you know who you are, heterosexual or homosexual, this book will help you. It will help the heterosexuals understand how it feels to be gay or live with gay parents. It will help the homosexual, who is having a hard time excepting yourself, coupe with the uncertainty. Remember 1 in 10 people are gay so for all the teenagers out there who are having a hard time please read this book!

Rating:
Summary: wow
Review: I absolutly loved this book. Not only is it entertaining, it's informative as well. There were stories focusing on all aspects of being BLGT teen, or in situations with others who are. AIDS, religion, and growing up gay yourself. Some, like Am I Blue? were more lighthearted in their aproach. Others, like Micheal's Little Sister or Three Mondays in July concentrated on coming to grips and realising and accepting yourself. All of these stories in one way or another teach you something.
This is a wonderful book and wether you are homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual or just curious, this book is a wonderful way to teach yourself and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Rating:
Summary: wow
Review: I absolutly loved this book. Not only is it entertaining, it's informative as well. There were stories focusing on all aspects of being BLGT teen, or in situations with others who are. AIDS, religion, and growing up gay yourself. Some, like Am I Blue? were more lighthearted in their aproach. Others, like Micheal's Little Sister or Three Mondays in July concentrated on coming to grips and realising and accepting yourself. All of these stories in one way or another teach you something.
This is a wonderful book and wether you are homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual or just curious, this book is a wonderful way to teach yourself and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Rating:
Summary: good for reading and for sharing
Review: I have read and reread this book over 20 times (approx) in the 2.5 years since I found it (I spent a lot of time in my school library in junior high, and this was showcased near new fiction. Pretty impressive for Virginia, wouldn't you say?) Anyuway, I didn't know a whole lot about sexuality at the time, but this book DEFINITELY taught me about it, as well as about recognizing it and tolerating it. Since sexuality is one of the many things we start considering in high school, I and many of my friends have since wondered about our own "ness" so to speak. I have passed this book around to many of my friends, and have others who have copies of it as well. At the beginning of this year, my friends and I called ourselves the Blue Crew (we used different shades of blue to denote our level of queerness)..it's generally a great book...I wouldn't recommend it to EVERYBODY, since not everyone WANTS TO understand the altculture associated with our glbt&q neighbors, but for an openminded and tolerant person, this book is a great read.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it
Review: I loved this book bacause it is a great book that I can relate too a lot every teen should read it